Meet the Disneyland Resort’s newest artists – the custodial guest services team. That’s right! In addition to upholding Walt Disney’s original vision to keep the parks clean for our guests, this team recently began drawing Disney characters on the ground using the tools of their trade – a pan, a broom and a little water.

These individuals are called custodial guest services cast members for a reason. Their very visible presence in the parks allows them to answer guest questions, create personal connections and – now – entertain through character water art. The daily variety in this role makes it an exciting one to play. Watch the video below to hear from Allison, a custodial guest services trainer here at the Disneyland Resort.

Tagged: BtS, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Resort

Did you know that behind the Rivers of America lies a five-acre ranch where all of the animals you see at Disneyland park live? We call it Circle D and it’s been in business since 1954, when it was set up to begin training horses for the Main Street, U.S.A. carriages you still see at the park today.

This month, we’d like to introduce you to our animal experts who devote their time to making sure that our animals are happy, safe and well. Meet Maggie Gitchen and Gina Mayberry, our ranch managers, both of whom have called Disneyland park home for many years and have incredible stories to tell about the history of Circle D and Disneyland park. Check out the video below to hear from our very own animal whisperers.

Tagged: BtS, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

If you’ve ever been to Disneyland Park, you’ve undoubtedly used a sign or two to get you from land to land! As I continue to show you the Disneyland Resort through the work and eyes of our cast, I’d like you to meet some of the handiest folks this side of Main Street, U.S.A., our cast members at the Disneyland Resort Sign Shop. These talented individuals use various techniques – from sketching to painting to carving – in creating the unique signs you see all over the Resort. Check out the video below to hear more about the detail that goes into creating each and every sign!

Tagged: BtS, DL, DLR, Video

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Park, Disneyland Resort

For the last couple months, we’ve been introducing you to many of the cast members around the Disneyland Resort and showing you how they contribute to the overall Disney experience. This month, we’d like to give you a glimpse into the most delicious role at the Resort! Check out the video below to meet one of our pastry chefs and hear about how she creates magic for your taste buds!

Tagged: DLR, Video, Weddings

Filed: Behind the Scenes, Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Resort, Weddings & Honeymoons

Many of you would probably agree that the Disneyland Resort is the magic of Disney storytelling come to life, and as Walt Disney once said…”You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful place in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality.”

Meet Wade Heath. Wade is a parking lead at the Disneyland Hotel and a fine example of how our cast brings the magic to life for you – our guests.

Every day that Wade is at work he turns great vacations into unforgettable ones. Guests have even come back to the Resort from as far as Japan bearing gifts of gratitude, to thank Wade for making their time here so special. Because of his genuine, caring service – Wade was recently selected as the 2010 Outstanding Lodging Employee of the Year by the American Hotel & Lodging Association – that means they consider him the best in the country!

Wade truly cares about people and it shows in his interactions with guests and co-workers. Cast members like him are what makes Disney – Disney. Watch this video to see what co-workers have to say about him and hear from Wade.

Tagged: DLR, Video

Filed: Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Resort, Hotels & Resorts

During our first meeting with artist Don “Ducky” Williams, he shared his love of drawing all Disney characters. But one character in particular holds a special place in his heart and I think you know which one — Donald Duck. His amazing Donald Duck drawings are admired throughout the company. It’s why we call him “Ducky.” And today, he’s showing us how it’s done.

We’ll be featuring more of Don’s amazing work during future trips to his office (and yes, his work area is as interesting as it looks in the video). Please let us know which character you’d like to see “come to life” next.

Tagged: BtS, Video, WDW

Filed: Art of Disney, Behind the Scenes, Cast Member Profiles, Walt Disney World Resort

For the upcoming Dateline: Disneyland 1955 – Pin-Vited Press Event on July 10, we are turning the spotlight on two Disney Cast Members – Quinn Shurian and Danielle DuBois, the 2009/2010 Disneyland Resort Ambassador Team. With the event theme, it seemed like the perfect time to introduce the “Disney Ambassador Collection,” which features two pins inspired by these incredible representatives.

This is the first time we’ve featured pins inspired by Disney Ambassadors as part of the summer event in California. Jeanne Lewis, developer for special event pins, first met Danielle and Quinn during the Disney Summer Pin Festival – O’Pin House event in June 2009. At that time, she gathered ideas for their pins based on their career history and other personal experiences. Pictured above are Jeanne’s original sketches she made during that initial conversation.

During a recent interview in the Disneyland Resort Line (a Disneyland Cast Member publication), Quinn discussed his design with reporter Michelle Barefield.

“My favorite detail of my pin is the Disneyland ‘D,’” he said. “The emblem is something I associate with the Resort. I remember it on the marquee and letterhead and it is something important to me.”

For his design, he selected various Fantasyland attractions where he worked throughout his Disney career. His pin is presented like a patchwork quilt (little known fact, Quinn enjoys quilting -– how cool!). The pin also contains some black stewart plaid fabric which is a nod to his days as a Guest Relations host.

Danielle’s design was inspired by her personal connection to Mickey Mouse watches as she explained in the Disneyland Resort Line.

”I’m very attached to Mickey Mouse watches, ever since I got my first one for being a flower girl in my uncle’s wedding when I was six,” said Danielle.

The face of this watch-like pin contains four symbols that represent additional personal memories as well as classic Disneyland Resort attractions. Anyone notice the time?

So how were Jeanne’s sketches turned into these actual pins? She turned to the Disney Design Group to turn her rough concepts and the Ambassadors’ ideas into reality.

“I have a funny story about how we selected which Disney artists would design these pins,” laughed Jeanne. “I wanted artist Quynh Kimball to design Quinn’s pin simply because they shared the same first name despite their different spellings. Tyler Dumas was given Danielle’s pin as both their last names are French. We don’t always decide who gets certain projects that way, but in this case it worked. Besides, they are both very talented artists and made the Ambassadors’ designs look great!”

Guests who attend the upcoming Dateline: Disneyland 1955 – Pin-Vited Press Event will have the opportunity to meet Quinn and Danielle. For more information, please visit DisneyPins.com.

Tagged: DLR, Pins

Filed: Cast Member Profiles, Disneyland Resort